Is the air quality good in Phnom Penh?
As of March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is experiencing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index (AQI) above 150, placing conditions in the unhealthy range.
These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Phnom Penh ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city in the world on Saturday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Phnom Penh.
While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Phnom Penh was 18 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 63 (“moderate”), and was 3.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city globally, as of March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Phnom Penh?
Air quality is expected to improve by tomorrow, returning to the moderate range.
Hourly air quality forecast for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as of March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Over the past 30 days, conditions have generally remained moderate, though levels have temporarily risen into the unhealthy category today.
Daily air quality trends for Phnom Penh, Cambodia over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Cambodia’s Clean Air Plan aims to reduce emissions by 60 to 80 percent by 2030. This depends on strong policies and cleaner technologies. Key actions include cleaner fuels, less waste burning, renewable energy, and better cooking methods (1).
Air quality map of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as of March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Phnom Penh?
Poor air quality in Phnom Penh is primarily driven by human activities linked to urbanization and economic development.
The main contributing sources include:
- Transport emissions from a growing number of vehicles
- Residential fuel use such as wood and charcoal for cooking
- Open burning of municipal waste
- Industrial activities and construction dust
- Agricultural burning and emissions
Among these, residential energy use, transport, and waste burning are the largest contributors to particulate pollution in Cambodia.
Additionally, localized emissions such as motorcycle exhaust in urban areas can significantly worsen air quality, especially in dense environments like parking areas and campuses (2).
Rapid economic growth has increased fuel consumption and industrial activity, further contributing to rising pollution levels.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
